Vaughn McClure, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

QB snapshot: Matt Ryan

A quick observation of quarterback Matt Ryan and how he played in the Atlanta Falcons' 26-24 loss to the Browns in Week 12:

Ryan simply had a poor outing, completing 27 of 43 passes for 273 yards and two touchdowns with one interception and a passer rating of 86.7. He was not precise, specifically deep (3-of-8 from 20-plus yards). Ryan was 0-for-7 when targeting Julio Jones down the sideline, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Ryan also had a key miss to Devin Hester down the right sideline on third-and-2 late in the game, although Roddy White looked open underneath on the same play.

Ryan, who entered the game completing 63.9 percent of his passes outside the numbers, was just 9-of-21 against the Browns.

Ryan vowed to take more deep shots with Jones, who missed two days of practice last week. Falcons coach Mike Smith contended the timing between Ryan and Jones wasn't off. "No, they weren't out of sync," Smith said. "In terms of production [Sunday], it wasn't what we'd like to have."

Give the Browns' defense credit for confusing the Falcons with their coverages and for the way cornerback Joe Haden competed against Jones. Now Ryan will face the challenge of trying to get back into rhythm with Jones against one of the league's top corners when Patrick Peterson and the Arizona Cardinals come to the Georgia Dome on Sunday. Ryan has thrown nine interceptions in his last two matchups against Arizona.

^ Back to Top ^